US Skiing is coming off one of the most exciting winters in recent memory. As summer approaches, the National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is excited to help continue the momentum, again sponsoring a full suite of development opportunities in partnership with US Ski and Snowboard that live up to the old adage, “fast skiers are made in the summer!”

NNF’s Pillar Projects in the summer include a full suite of Regional Elite Group Camps (REG), with top U18 and U20 skiers from each USSS Region joining up at some of America’s premier ski venues to work with top regional coaching talent, and US Ski Team Coaches Bryan Fish and Greta Anderson. The U16 National Camp, which has successfully expanded on this REG model to reach more skiers at a younger age group, brings the best young skiers in the country train together at once for the first time ever, and this year will be held at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. An International Junior Camp rounding out this summer will also be looking to expand upon an emphasis on bringing American skiers together around fun development opportunities as a national ski community.

In fact, it’s that creed, working together makes us better, that NNF fully can stress through our Pillar Projects each summer. While the successes and milestones reached by US skiers make for emotional highlights each winter, the true grassroots work – the type of development NNF was founded to support – happens each summer. NNF’s programming reaches down from the national level to the regional level. Our partner organizations at the divisional level have also expanded upon the REG model to reach younger athletes and bring more skiers from more places together. Put together, it’s a recipe for community success empowered by the community. Here’s to a happy summer of skiing!

NNF Summer Pillar Projects Schedule

National Training Group (NTG) and National Elite Group (NEG) Camps – Best U20 skiers in the country, joined together for regular training with USSS Development Coaches. Schedule: Bend, Oregon, Early May. Park City, Utah, Late October.

Regional Elite Group (REG) Camps – Top U18-U20 regional skiers working with US Ski Team Development Coaches. Schedule: Western REG in Bend, OR June 22^nd-29^th. Eastern REG in Burlington, VT, June 29^th-July 3rd. Central REG in Cable, WI July 9^th-14^th. Alaska in Anchorage, AK July 15^th-21^st.

National U16 Elite Camp – Top U16 skiers from across the country training together with USSS Development Coaches. Schedule: Jackson Hole, WY July 29^th-Aug. 4^th.

International Junior Camp – US delegation of U18 skiers attends camp with top international juniors in Europe. Schedule: Location: TBD August 5^th-August 16^th

The National Nordic Foundation’s (NNF) annual online summer auction is open! NNF’s summer auction is an opportunity for skiers and supporters across the country to contribute to US Skiing’s success while taking a piece of it home. The auction runs this week until Friday, July 14th at 8pm EST.

All proceeds from the NNF summer auction go directly towards funding Pillar Projects next winter, including Junior World Championships, the U18 Nordic Nation’s Cup, and the Trail to Gold Fellowship. Last year’s summer auction raised over $20,000 towards a successful winter in 2022-23 that saw milestones for US skiers, and we are confident that the US ski community can come together again around lifting our developing athletes up to their full potential next winter!

Marquee items in this year’s auction include:

• Apparel: Worn and signed US Ski Team jackets, shirts, and hats from your favorite Olympians and World Cup athletes.
• Skiing experiences: A chance to book your trip to some of the best nordic destinations in the country, including the Carrabassett Valley in Maine, Northeast Kingdom in Vermont, the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, and the Methow Valley in Washington.
• Creative work: Artwork and sculptures from US Ski Team athletes, and the talented creatives in the US ski community.
• Skis: Handpicked race skis by US Olympian Ben Ogden.
• …and much more!

NNF Summer Auction HERE

(Press release)

August 14, 2018 — The National Nordic Foundation, known as NNF, is pleased to announce the addition of Kikkan Randall to the Board of Directors. Kikkan, a 2018 U.S. Nordic Skiing Olympic gold medalist, joins Billy Demong, U.S. Nordic Combined Olympic gold medalist, and the NNF Board to lead the development of the next generation of U.S. nordic athletes and future gold medalists.

“I can’t think of a better person to add to our Board,” said NNF President, Joey Caterinichio. “Kikkan is the epitome of community success in our nation. Kikkan developed from her community to the top of the world with support from the NNF along the way and gives back so much.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the NNF Board,” said Kikkan Randall, “NNF’s support early in my career was crucial for getting access to international experience.  Now I look forward to sharing my experience with the NNF Board to support our upcoming nordic champions!”

About the NNF

The mission of the National Nordic Foundation is to support athletic excellence in developing nordic skiing at all levels in the United States. The NNF has funded over one million dollars to U.S. nordic skiing development initiatives through our Pillar Projects. More details on our programs can be found on our website: www.nnf.ski. Through the outstanding fundraising efforts of individual donors, clubs and among skiing communities, the NNF bridges financial barriers to increases access and development that otherwise wouldn’t exist for our top U.S. athletes. NNF funding directly supports athletes and training programs across the entire nation, clubs and divisions. Board Members include: Joey Caterinichio, Craig Ward, Billy Demong, Jenny Barba, Reid Lutter, Gunther Kern, Yuriy Guzev and Kikkan Randall.

(Press release)

Travel to the 2019 Nordic World Championships in Seefeld, Austria,

with Lumi Experiences to Benefit the NNF

The NNF and Lumi Experiences are building on their partnership to offer two trips to the 2019 Nordic Ski World Championships in Seefeld, Austria.

On each of these 8-day trips, guests will be able to cheer on their favorite athletes at the World Championships, ski in- and around Seefeld, and relax in the four-star, trail side Hotel St. Peter. Proceeds from the trip go to funding NNF programming.

World Championships Trip 1 is scheduled for February 18 – 25, 2019.
World Championships Trip 2 is scheduled for February 25 – March 4, 2019.

Each trip is limited to 18 guests. Save $300 on the trip price, if reserved before March 31, 2018. For more information and to sign up, go to: www.lumiexperiences.com.

You can check out more photos and insights from this year’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram: @lumiexperiences or #lumiexp

Last month, 16 guests traveled with Lumi Experiences to the World Cup races in Seefeld and watched Jessie Diggins and Sophie Caldwell each notch victories. The trip raised over $10,000 for the NNF.

“The trip had an exceptionally talented group of trip leaders. It was well planned and full of fun surprises that enhanced the experience. Skiing right from our hotel was awesome. I love the Dolomites and the Tyrol. Austrian curling was a blast. First class care and attention to detail made this a trip of a lifetime for us.” – Jane & Michael Mandli

“We skied in a gorgeous part of the world. Guides were excellent and fun. It was an incredible experience watching the World Cup racing in Seefeld and meeting the athletes.” – Molly Martinez

The founder of Lumi Experiences, Garrott Kuzzy, is an Olympian and past US Ski Team athlete. He has over five years of experience developing skiing, biking, and hiking tours throughout Europe. He currently lives in Innsbruck, Austria and has developed this trip in his new backyard. As a former US Ski Team athlete, Kuzzy is partnering with the NNF to benefit developing US athletes.

The NNF’s goal is to remove financial barriers that hinder our US athletes, due to the lack of funding available.  World Cup athletes, World Junior/U23 Teams, U18 Teams, REG Camps, Junior National Teams, Coaches, Clubs and Officials receive funding annually from the NNF.  Campaigns such as the Drive for 25, online Auctions and general donations pay for these efforts.

Recently a new partnership has emerged.  More stars behind our stars supporting our athletes, helping achieve top results such as  with our World Cup Teams, our recent World Junior star Hailey Swirbul and many many athletes.  To brighten things up, the NNF has Partnered with Olympian, Garrott Kuzzy owner of Lumi Experiences.  Kuzzy and his guests are giving back to the sport by donating a portion of each trip to the NNF.  These trips include front line experiences in Europe, cross country skiing, sight seeing, attending races and interacting first hand with the US Ski Team and World Cup Athletes.  Read about the most recent trip in Seefeld, Austria and learn about the upcoming trip, attending the World Championships!  You don’t want to miss out!

— Joey Caterinichio/NNF

(Press release)

SEEFELD, Austria — The 2018 Lumi Experiences Trip to Tyrol, benefitting the National Nordic Foundation (NNF), wrapped up 10 days in Tyrol, Austria & Italy cheering on the US Ski Team to a double-victory weekend in Seefeld.

In March 2017, the NNF announced a cross country ski trip to the 2018 Dolomitenlauf Worldloppet and the Seefeld World Cup races. By April, all 16 spots on the trip had been filled.

Proceeds of the trip, hosted by Lumi Experiences, totalled over $10,000 and will go to support NNF programming. Lumi Experiences was founded by Garrott Kuzzy. After traveling the world as a member of the US Ski Team and competing in the Vancouver Olympic Games, Garrott has spent the past decade sharing his favorite destinations and experiences through active travel.

The guests on the Trip to Tyrol were supported by two local trip leaders, offering insights into Austrian and Italian culture.

The Dolomitenlauf weekend kicked off with guests taking part in either 42km or 20km events. Some opted instead to watch the Hahnenkamm downhill on Eurosport in a mountain-top bar surrounded by screaming Austrian ski fans. Those who skied the Dolomitenlauf had the luxury of getting their skis waxed for them with HF and powder. A couple of women on the trip skied to age-group podium finishes…a precursor to what they would witness on the World Cup later in the week.

Stop two was Toblach, Italy. Crossing the border beneath Dolomite spires, the group was treated to sunny skies as they perfected their hop-skate technique over the iconic Toblach Nordic Arena. It was hard leaving the Italian cuisine in South Tyrol, but the Seefeld World Cup was calling.

Guests were treated to a brief stop in Kuzzy’s new hometown, Innsbruck, before taking a train to the snow-globe village of Seefeld for the final five nights of the trip. Guests had barely departed the train when they ran into Sophie Caldwell and Matt Whitcomb, out for an evening jog.

The Hotel St Peter, located at the trailhead, offered easy access to the 3+ feet of new snow Seefeld had received in the previous week. Highlights of the first days in Seefeld included a trip to the trailside hut that Andy Newell affectionately refers to as the “Wild Moose.” A trough of schnapps and tray of apple strudel greets visitors.

Guests were also treated to a tour of the new US Ski Team wax truck. US Women’s Team head coach Matt Whitcomb and wax techs shared insights into the new, rolling facility, as well as a few insider wax tips. One unexpected surprise, was the opportunity to forerun the races. Skiers experienced the challenging courses that cannot be captured by simply watching the races from the sidelines. Erik Bjornson chatted with the skiers after his sprint qualifier and thanked them for cheering, saying it’s rare that there are so many US fans on the trail at European World Cups.

The real highlight of the trip was cheering on skiers in the Seefeld World Cup, as Sophie Caldwell skied to victory in the Skate Sprint and Jessie Diggins took the 10km Mass Start Skate win. Guests had the opportunity to share high fives and get photos with skiers afterward the race.

Seeing the US team skiers atop the podium was particularly meaningful, as it represented the results of the hard-work put in by athletes and their coaches. It also represented what the help from the NNF has helped skiers from the US achieve. There were more than one set of watery eyes at the end of the trip, when guests received copies of the new book: World Class: The Making of the U.S. Women’s Cross-Country Ski Team by Peggy Shinn, personalized and signed by the women on the US Ski Team as a thank you to guests on the trip.

The Seefeld World Cup was the last big race before the Olympic Games next month in Korea. In 2019, Seefeld will host the Nordic World Championships. Once again, Lumi Experiences will be on site for the 2019 World Championships, hosting two more trips to benefit the NNF. You can sign up to receive information about the World Championships and other cross country ski vacations at: www.lumiexperiences.com. Check out more photos and insights from this year’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram: @lumiexperiences or #lumiexp

“The trip had an exceptionally talented group of trip leaders. It was well planned and full of fun surprises that enhanced the experience. Sledding was a hoot, and skiing to our hotel afterwards was awesome. I love the Dolomites and the Tyrol. Austrian curling was a blast. First class care and attention to detail made this a trip of a lifetime for us.” – Jane & Michael Mandli

“We skied in a gorgeous part of the world. Guides were excellent and fun. It was an incredible experience watching the World Cup racing in Seefeld and meeting the athletes.” – Molly Martinez

(Press release)

It’s that time again!  Every year the U.S. Nordic Skiing community comes together to support the National Nordic Foundation’s (NNF) largest fundraising efforts of the season. It is time to become a part of the annual NNF Drive for 25. Please join us in the 2017 D-25 campaign beginning October 23rd and help us raise money for skiing development for Cross Country, Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping.  The NNF: Supporting Tomorrow’s Nordic Stars Today!

The National Nordic Foundation is the country’s premier grassroots sport fundraising organization. With over $200,000 in the 2016-2017 season alone allocated to “pillar projects”, key events to help capitalize on the talent and drive of developing skiers, the NNF is creating a cultural change in the way skiers approach international competition.

Where do the NNF Funds go?  The NNF supports all levels of development.  Past funding ranges from World Cup Starts with Podium winners such as Kikkan Randall, Jessie Diggins, Sadie Bjornsen, Taylor and Bryan Fletcher, Caitlin Gregg and Simi Hamilton, and will now aid new budding stars such as Patrick Caldwell, Scott Patterson, Julia Kern, Katherine Ogden, Hannah Halverson, Adam Loomis, Kevin Bickner and so many others.

The NNF has been funding development for years. Every year the NNF funds a large portion of the US World Junior and U23 teams helping athletes across the nation, The NNF also gives money to every US Divisional Junior National Team and gives myriads of grants to Clubs, Coaches and Officials at the community level. The NNF is an integral part of our Nation’s building blocks and success.  Furthermore, the NNF, through its annual fundraising efforts, the Drive for 25 and the NNF Auction, catalyzes the skiing community to come together.

Become a part of the National Nordic Foundation. Participate in this year’s “Drive for 25” beginning October 23, 2017 and help us spread the word on skiing, help our grassroots mission and help us get more racers to start line and to the top of the results. The Theme of this year’s campaign is “We Will”.  We Will “Drive for 25” and We Will Win!

To donate and become an ambassador for the Drive for 25, please go to

Cross Country Drive for 25

https://support.nationalnordicfoundation.org/campaign/2017-Drive-for-25-Cross-Country/c143183

Nordic Combined and Jumping Drive for 25

https://support.nationalnordicfoundation.org/campaign/2017-Drive-for-25-Nordic-Combined-Ski-Jumping/c144443

(Press release)

The National Nordic Foundation is seeking the position of Executive Director/Director of Operations.

The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is a non-profit organization that aids in the development of Nordic Skiers, Coaches, Officials, and venues lending financial support to both elite and grass roots programs in order to develop athletes within the Nordic Sports nationwide.

Every year the NNF donates thousands of dollars to the development of Cross Country Skiing, Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping.

Our Mission is to support athletic excellence in developing Nordic Athletes in the United States.

The NNF Executive Director/Director of Operations will have a strong background in non-profit organizations along with strong fundraising and networking skills.

These positions will work directly with the Board of Directors and manage the day-to-day operations of the NNF.

Responsibilities to include but not limited:

• Responsibility for and direction of NNF’s pillar projects.
• Manage NNF fundraising projects.
• Manage the vision and mission of the organization.
• Manage the NNF finances and budget.
• Marketing, production, and communication.
• Increase fundraising campaigns and donor networking.
• Direct grassroots fundraising campaigns.
• Liaison between USST, USSA, USA Nordic and other partners of the NNF.
• Community, national and club outreach.
• Develop and maintain NNF website.
• Some travel required.

For more information and a full detailed job description regarding the NNF ED please visit: www.nationalnordicfoundation.org.  Interested applicants please send resume and letter of interest to NNF board of Directors at nnfsearch@gmail.com.

Application deadline, November 10, 2017

(Press release)

The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is excited to announce the election of a new Chairman of the Board, Peter Ashley. Peter succeeds former Executive Director and long-time Board Chair, David Knoop who is moving into an unofficial advisory role with the organization. Over the past eight years, Knoop transformed the nearly-defunct National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation (NCCSEF) into a fundraising powerhouse that has contributed in excess of $1 million to developing nordic athletes since 2010.

“I can look back to eight years ago,” says Knoop, “and there was a real need for an organization to fill in the gaps between what the clubs were capable of and what the U.S.S.A./U.S. Ski Team was doing. We had a few bright spots like Kikkan Randall and Andy Newell, but overall, the ‘Development Pipeline’ was more theory than practice. The NNF arose out of a need to create funding and a sustained budget for development programs.” David, further reflecting on the subsequent eight years: “The NNF is a success story that I’m very grateful to have been a part of and enjoy with so many of you. I know that the NNF will continue to be successful with your support and I wish everyone all the best and hope to see you around enjoying the sport and lifestyle that we love.”

Peter Ashley, who has been on the NNF Board of Directors for the past two years brings a wealth of experience and connections from a lifetime in the skiing community. Among his many accomplishments, the Jackson, Wyo., native, spent nine seasons as a U.S. Ski Team coach before working over 20 years with Fischer Sports as National Sales and Marketing Manager for their Nordic Division.

“This is an exciting time to be involved with the NNF,” says Peter.  “The past years’ results are a testament to the hard work of the nordic community over the last 20 years. I look forward to working with all the nordic clubs, coaches, athletes and the entire nordic community to continue and improve on the past years’ success. Soon we’ll announce the NNF funding of summer projects in 2017!”

Executive Director, Hennie Kashiwa’s role remains unchanged. “I am very excited for the NNF to have Peter’s wealth of experience both in skiing and as a leader,” says Kashiwa. “As we transition, however, it is critical to recognize the work that Dave Knoop put into the NNF. Without Dave, the NNF would simply not exist as it does today. Both personally and as a member of the skiing community, I’d like to thank Dave for the monumental impact he’s had on our sport.”

The eighth edition of the NNF/USSA National U16 Camp will be held Sunday July 23, 2017 (arrival day) to Sunday, July 30 2017 (departure day) in Sun Valley, Idaho hosted by the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation and the Sun Valley Community School. The NU16 camp brings together the top U16 Boys and Girls from across the USA for a week of intensive training and ski sport education as one of the first steps in the USSA National Development Pipeline. The National Nordic Foundation has designated the NU16 camp as one of its Pillar Projects and the NNF has been instrumental in helping the NU16 Camp grow into one of our country’s key athlete development initiatives. The camp rotates in location throughout the country and this year’s camp will be held on the Community School Campus in Sun Valley, Idaho. The Sun Valley area offers ideal training venues in a beautiful natural setting. US Ski Team staff will lead the camp along with a selection of top regional coaches from across the US. Selection for the camp is based on results from this year’s US Junior Championships, held in Lake Placid, NY. In addition to the top twenty boys and top twenty girls selected via JN results, each USSA Division is afforded two discretionary picks of one boy and one girl(must have competed as a U16 last season). The discretionary selections are in addition to however many skiers may have qualified via the JN selection procedure. It is up to each division to select these discretionary picks and forward those selections onto the camp director, Rick Kapala of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation rick@svsef.org. Please provide these divisional selections no later than May 1st, 2017 and also be sure to inform the discretionary picks of their selection.

Attendees are required to organize their own flights into either Sun Valley, ID or Boise ID to arrive on Sunday, July 23 in Boise by 3pm or to Sun Valley by 5pm and to depart on the following Sunday, July 30 by 5pm at either airport. For skiers arriving and departing both Boise and Sun Valley, we will provide all airport shuttles. For skiers driving into Sun Valley, we will provide drop off directions. Lodging, meals and all associated camp costs( except airfare) are included in the camp fee of $675.00. Skiers who have been selected through the JN selection procedure (see attached list) may immediately confirm their attendance by emailing Camp Director Rick Kapala at rick@svsef.org. Divisional leaders should make their discretionary selections as soon as possible and inform both Rick Kapala and the selected athletes of their naming. Please assist us by disseminating this announcement and selection list to the selected skiers in your divisions so that they are aware of this opportunity.

Once participants have confirmed their participation by emailing Rick Kapala rick@svsef.org, they will receive a registration packet via email with camp forms, schedule, camp info and payment instructions.

THE FINAL DATE for PARTICIPANT CONFIRMATION IS FRIDAY MAY 19TH, 2017

Thank you to all of the committed athletes, coaches, sponsors, race organizers and parents who are helping elevate our sport of Cross Country Ski Racing across the USA.

2017 National U16 Camp Selections based on Junior National Championships

Lake Placid, NY

(World Cup scoring based on best 2 results, both the sprint qualifier and the final results are scored but a skier may only use either the qual or the final)

Boys Selections

1. Haydn Halvorsen (Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy) FW
2. John Hagenbuch (Sun Valley SEF) IMD
3. Will Koch (Stratton Mountain School) NE
4. George Cvancara (Alaska Nordic Racing) AK
5. Joshua Valentine (Gunstock Nordic Association GNA) NE
6. Skylar Patten (Park City NSC) IMD
7. Lane Myshrall (Park City NSC) IMD
8. Peter Moore (Endurance United) MW
9. Eli Hermanson (Alaska Winter Stars) AK
10. Griffin Wright (Craftsbury Nordic) NE
11. Cooper Anderson (Auburn Ski Club Associates Inc.) FW
12. Walker Hall (Methow Valley Nordic SEF) FW
13. Hunter Greene (Mount Bachelor SEF) PN
14. Will Lange (Mount Bachelor SEF) PN
15. Matthew Moreau (Cambridge Sports Union) NE
16. Kai Mittelsteadt (Bridger SF) IMD
17. Henry Hall (Loppet Nordic Racing) MW
18. Alexander Nameth
19. James Schneider (Loppet Nordic Racing) MW
20. Peter Haynes (Summit Nordic SC) RM

Girls Selections

1. Novie Mccabe (Methow Valley Nordic SEF) PN
2. Sydney Palmer-Leger (Park City NSC) IMD
3. Kendall Kramer  (NSC Fairbanks-FXC) AK
4. Anna Lehmann (Stratton Mountain School) NE
5. Sarah Morgan (Wasatch Nordic SA) IMD
6. Bridget Donovan (Ski & Snowboard Club Vail) RM
7. Nina Seemann (Auburn Ski Club) FW
8. Waverly Gebhardt (Steamboat Springs WSC) RM
9. Annabel Hagen (Jackson Hole SC) IMD
10. Libby Tuttle (Loppet Nordic Racing) MW
11. Fiona Max (Mount Bachelor SEF) PN
12. Anna Shults (Boulder Nordic Junior Race Team) RM
13. Kaya Ratzlaff (NSC Fairbanks-FXC) AK
14. Abigail Streinz (Outdoor Sports Institute) NE
15. Gretta Scholz (Methow Valley Nordic SEF) PN
16. Anja Jensen (Sun Valley SEF) IMD
17. Maggie Druckenmiller (NSC Fairbanks-FXC) AK
18. Charlotte Ogden (Stratton Mountain School) NE
19. Annika Hanestad (Alaska NR) AK
20. Izzy Max (Mt. Bachelor SEF) PN

(Press release)

The NNF and Lumi Experiences are partnering to offer a trip to the 2018 cross-country and nordic combined World Cup competitions in Seefeld, Austria. On this 11-day trip, designed by Olympian Garrott Kuzzy, we will ski in the Alps, cheer on our favorite athletes at the World Cup competitions and relax in three- and four-star hotels. Travelers will also have the opportunity to participate in the Dolomitenlauf Worldloppet!

Olympian and past US Ski Team athlete Garrott Kuzzy has over five years of experience developing skiing, biking, and hiking tours throughout Europe. He currently lives in Innsbruck, Austria and has developed this trip in his new backyard. As a former US Ski Team athlete, Kuzzy is partnering with the NNF to benefit developing US athletes. Proceeds from the trip go to funding NNF programming.

Scheduled for January 19 – 29, 2018, the trip is limited to 16 guests and priced at $3,900 per person (not including airfare) if reserved before March 31. For more information and to sign up, go to: www.lumiexperiences.com.

February 2 — In the first three days of competition, the National Nordic Foundation’s (NNF) broadcast of the USANA FIS Nordic Junior & U23 World Championships has generated nearly 2,000 unique views from around the world; and that number is growing. With live coverage and on-demand replays of all cross-country, ski jumping and nordic combined events through their web channel, NNF TV, the NNF will use proceeds generated by the video coverage to support athletic funding for developing U.S. nordic athletes.

Viewership in Norway and Sweden top the list, at 462 and 389 respectively. Fans from the U.S. are in third place in overall global viewership with 193.

With American athletes showing nearly unprecedented results every day on their home turf, the last four days of the Championships are sure to be exciting for fans across the U.S.; and now it’s possible to support American athletes and cheer them on at the same time! Pay-per-view access for live viewing and on-demand replays of every event is at www.nnf.ski/tv.

Highlights are available at no charge at facebook.com/nnftv.

NATIONAL NORDIC FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES LIVE COVERAGE OF NORDIC JUNIOR & U23 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS EXCLUSIVELY ON NNF.SKI/TV

January 24— Starting January 30, the world’s best nordic junior and U23 athletes will descend on the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, offering a preview of the Olympic podiums in 2022 and beyond. All twenty-four events of the 2017 FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships will be available live, worldwide—exclusively from the National Nordic Foundation (NNF). Access links to all events can be found at www.nnf.ski/tv.

In producing live coverage of the World Junior/U23 Championships, the NNF is not only pleased to provide the global skiing community with access to high-level international competition, interviews, and skier education but also to raise funds for nordic athletes across the United States. Live access to each event will be available for $4.95 or all events for $49.95. By offering this pay-per-view model worldwide, the NNF aims to generate funding that will support future athletic programming.

“This is a unique and exciting opportunity,” said Hennie Kashiwa, Executive Director of the NNF. “Not only are we able provide a service to the community and support the event’s organizing committee, but this is a chance to find new revenue that can go right back to our athletes. Tell your friends about it; this is going to be great.”

Once the Championships have concluded, all competitions will be archived and available, along with edited interviews and educational segments, at www.nnf.ski/tv.

January 20 — The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is excited to announce details of its support for unfunded cross-country athletes attending the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. These six athletes, not currently on the National Team, will receive race support from the U.S., but will be responsible for the cost of their own travel, lodging, and more. The NNF is proud to provide $2,000 each to Caitlin Gregg, Chelsea Holmes, Kyle Bratrud, Tad Elliott, Ben Lustgarten, and Cole Morgan to offset these expenses.

The National Nordic Foundation has supported unfunded World Championships athletes for several seasons, including 2015, which helped Caitlin Gregg to win a Bronze Medal. In 2017, Gregg will again receive funding represent the U.S. at her fourth World Championships. “I am so happy for this opportunity to represent the U.S. and my community on the World Stage,” says Caitlin. “A huge thank you to the NNF and the skiing community who make it possible to focus and prepare for these World Championships. Thank you to everyone for believing in our U.S. athletes. In the past, the financial cost made the decision to accept a nomination to the World Championship team a difficult one; now I can spend my time and energy on focusing on the best preparation. Thank you NNF.”

In addition to World Championships veterans like Gregg and Tad Elliott, four new faces will be representing the United States for the first time. For Ben Lustgarten of the Craftsbury Green Racing Project, this trip wasn’t on his radar at the beginning of the season: “It exceeded all of my goals this year to be selected to race at the 2017 World Championships in Lahti! I am honored to represent the U.S.A. at such a prestigious event. NNF provides me, along with other unfunded World Championship athletes, the incredible opportunity to race with the U.S. Ski Team against the fastest and fittest athletes in our sport. This is an event of a lifetime, and I am thankful to NNF for helping me to literally pursue my dreams at my first World Championships!”

For Chelsea Holmes, an Alaska Pacific University athlete, making the 2017 World Championships team means achieving a long-term goal: “I am very excited and honored to be named to my first World Champs team! This is a goal I have been working towards for a long time. Now, with the knowledge that I have the support of NNF, I am free to focus on my performance later this month! I look forward to representing the U.S. with the support of NNF!”

Keep an eye on www.nnf.ski, facebook.com/nationalnordicfoundation and, Instagram.com/gonnf, for updates from the athletes and the event.

(Press release)

(January 2) — The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) announced today the Board of Directors’ approval of $106,000 in funding allocations for cross-country sport development, education, and competitions for the 2016-2017 ski season. Five “Pillar Projects” have been identified by the Board for funding:

U18 Nordic Junior Countries Competition: $20,000

This year’s U18 trip will take athletes, ages 15-17, to Orkdal, Norway, from January 22-February 1. A joint project between the NNF and U.S. Ski Team, the trip will be led by Loppet Nordic Racing Development Director, Chris Harvey. Harvey is joined on the coaching staff by University of Alaska Anchorage Head Nordic Coach, Andrew Kastning and Jason Hettenbaugh of Rochester Nordic Racing.

New for 2017, Bruce Adelsman of skinnyski.com, will be on hand to provide a firsthand account and photos of the trip and will act as an additional chaperone.

Click here for U18 Trip team selection criteria

U23/World Junior Skiing Championship athlete support: $25,000

This year’s U23/World Junior Skiing Championships will take place on American soil, for the first time in more than three decades; with events held in both Midway and Park City, Utah. The NNF is proud to provide funding that will help to lower the expenses of each athlete in the U.S. contingent, partially covering costs of coaching, infrastructure, wax, lodging and more.

The Championships begin January 30 and runs through February 5. More information about the event can be found at utah2017.com.

Click here for World Junior Skiing Championships team selection criteria

Click here for U23 World Skiing Championships team selection criteria

Support for Unfunded U.S. Ski Team members on the World Cup: $24,000

B Team athletes on the U.S. Ski Team are able to take advantage of the coaching and race support infrastructure put in place by the U.S. Ski Team; however, these skiers need to cover many additional expenses, including travel and lodging.

The NNF works in partnership to compliment the investment, resources and efforts of the U.S. Ski Team and its coaching staff by helping to offset the costs incurred by B Team members as they strive to improve their race results at the World Cup level and seek a fully-supported A Team position.

Click Here for U.S. Ski Team selection criteria

Support for Unfunded, Non-U.S. Ski Team Athletes at World Championships in Lahti, Finland: $12,000

To support competition experience at the highest level, any athlete who is selected to represent the United States at World Championships, and is not a U.S. Ski Team A or B Team member, is automatically qualified for NNF funding. For these athletes, competing at World Championships will involve covering many of their own trip expenses. NNF financial support is in place to lower barrier of entry to compete.

Perhaps most notably, in 2015, Caitlin Gregg was not planning on attending World Championships for financial reasons, though she had been named to the team. Upon receiving support from this Pillar Project, she made the trip and went on to win a World Championships Bronze Medal.

Much like the support in place for B Team athletes on the World Cup, the funding from this Pillar Project is designed to complement the resources that the U.S. Ski Team provides such as coaching and race support infrastructure.

Click here for World Championships Team selection criteria

Live-streaming coverage and educational video content at U23/World Junior Championships: $25,000

The NNF is teaming up with XcountryLIVE to provide live streaming of all competitions during the U23/World Junior Ski Championships in Midway and Park City, Utah. In addition to event coverage, an educational video series will be produced, taking advantage of having access to some of the top coaches and young racers in the world.

All competitions and educational content will be archived and available on the National Nordic Foundation’s website, www.nnf.ski, for viewing at any time after the event, free of charge.

Click here for schedule of events

Funding generated during the annual Drive for 25 goes directly to supporting athletic excellence for young nordic skiers across the United States through Pillar Projects such as international racing opportunities, World Junior & U23 Championships support, National and Regional Elite Group camps and more. These projects help to level the playing field for American athletes as they look to be competitive with skiers from powerhouse skiing nations such as Norway, Sweden, and Germany.

Support for this matching grant comes directly from individuals who believe that American nordic skiers deserve the resources they need to reach their potential and to succeed in the highest levels of nordic sport.

Supporting tomorrow’s nordic stars today!

(Press release)

From August 6-18, a select group of US junior skiers will be in Scandinavia for the International Junior Camp, an annual event hosted by the Norwegian Ski Federation. For the second year in a row, the National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is proud to provide funding to make this unique opportunity possible, working in association with the US Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA).

The International Junior Camp brings together the world’s best junior cross country skiers (born 1997-1998), not only providing an opportunity to work with top World Cup coaches and athletes but also to see how their peers from around the globe are preparing for next season. “The level of top international junior racing is evolving right now,” says trip leader and US Cross Country Development Coach Bryan Fish. “The level and expectation is shifting upward and we need to show our top juniors first-hand.” Training will include intervals through a bog, technical instruction on rollerskis, a running time trial, rollerski race and strength sessions.

Sweden, Finland, Italy, Canada and Norway are among the nations that will have athletes in attendance. A total of 15 countries participated last year with more expected for 2016. “It will be the job of our athletes and coaches to bring this information stateside and distribute it,” says Fish. Seven athletes and two coaches from the US are attending the International Junior Camp for 2016.

Unique for 2016 is an emphasis on female participation. Not only is there a minimum requirement for female athletes, but at least one of two coaches from each represented nation is required to be female as well. “We have made great strides with our women’s programs,” says Fish, “however that is not necessarily true across all World Cup skiing. The depth of field in World Cup [racing] is still greater in the men’s field and Norway is stressing gender equity at the International Junior Camp this season.” Fulfilling the requirement for a female coach, Bernie Nelson, of the Bend Endurance Academy will complete the coaching staff for the United States.

The camp officially kicks off on August 10 with a rollerski race in Hamar, Norway; but the US contingent will be arriving to Scandinavia a few days early to adjust to the new time zone and to have a few days on snow at the ski tunnel in Torsby, Sweden.

The International Junior Camp, and other Pillar Projects like it, are central to the NNF’s mission to support athletic excellence in developing Nordic athletes in the United States. “The NNF is the sole American funding for this project,” says Bryan Fish. “The athletes personally pay for their flights and a small portion of their room and board, but the NNF is keeping the costs of this project very attainable for these athletes.”

Seven NNF athletes (4 women and 3 men) will be attending this year’s International Junior Camp. Selection criteria for camp attendees restricted the age group to athletes born in 1997 and 1998; international performances (e.g. U18 trip, World Juniors and OPA Cup) were primary criteria for selection in conjunction with domestic racing performance and national ranking. A discretionary selection policy was also in place for selections.

Check out NNF.ski as well as the NNF’s Facebook and Instagram pages for exclusive International Junior Camp updates and content!

Our Mission is to support athletic excellence in developing Nordic Athletes in the United States.

The NNF Director of Operations will have a strong background in non-profit organizations along with strong fundraising and networking skills.

These positions will work directly with the Board of Directors and manage the day-to-day operations of the NNF.

Responsibilities to include but no limited:

• Responsibility for and direction of NNF’s pillar projects.
• Manage NNF fundraising projects.
• Manage the vision and mission of the organization.
• Manage the NNF finances and budget.
• Marketing, production, and communication.
• Increase fundraising campaigns and donor networking.
• Direct grassroots fundraising campaigns.
• Liaison between USST, USSA and NNF.
• Community, national and club outreach.
• Develop and maintain NNF website.
• Some travel required.

Interested applicants please send resume to NNF board of Directors at nnf@nationalnordicfoundation.org

Application deadline, March 20, 2016

What’s Hot?

Gear from Podiumwear, Swix, L.L. Bean Concept2 and more are up for grabs. Don’t miss out on equipment, visits from athletes, hut trips and more. See the NNF auction today for great ways to support the NNF.

https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/11992/auctions/27866?page=1&reset_filter=1

James Southam has been executive director with the NNF since 2014, but his role supporting the organization goes back farther than that. The former Olympian announced he will move on from the NNF. 

When did you start with the NNF? 2012

How has the organization changed since you began?

We have grown from providing a relatively small amount of funding to the U18 trip and a World Juniors to a force in the development of US skiers. We have become  The amount we have been able to fund has increased dramatically since 2012 and a side effect we have become a unifying force in US skiing uniting the American skiing community. Everyone pulling together during our D25 fundraising campaign and the athletes and coaches from accross the US training, racing, and coaching together on the trips we support we have created a shared national experience. That has been huge!

What do you think it needs to keep growing?

We need to continue to grow as an organization. The NNF has been around since the mid 1990’s and in its current from since 2012. We are a small group striving to make a big impact in our sport but have a lot of room for growth. We also need to find a way to reach outside of the core racing scene and connect with the broader skiing population. People who we fund and those who follow elite US racing know who we are or have at least seen the NNF logo but there are many more skiers out there who don’t know who we are or what we do.

What are your plans heading forward?

I have been in skiing for the past 20+ years and it’s time to make a change. I am going to be stepping away from skiing and going back to school to become a nurse practitioner.

Anything else to add?

I started working with the NNF because through my career I came up at a low point in US development and I could see a If you weren’t one of the few people on the World Cup or racing at World Juniors there wasn’t a clear path to race internationally outside of making a major championship team. It has been a privilege to be a part of enabling todays skiers have a clear path to international skiing and that the NNF is able to make that path more affordable.

The NNF will conduct a search for James’ replacement beginning this month. Interested parties should connect at nnf@nationalnordicfoundation.org.